History & Heritage
Roman History
A County Shaped by an Empire
Essex’s Roman story is woven into the landscape of the county. Long before the legions arrived, the Trinovante tribe ruled this corner of Britain, and their capital at Camulodunum (modern Colchester) became the first true Roman city in the country. Temples, bathhouses, and Britain’s earliest town wall rose quickly, turning the settlement into a showcase of Roman influence.
In 60/61 CE, Boudica, the Warrior Queen, led a major uprising against occupying Roman forces. The rebellion swept through the Essex region, and Colchester became the first city to fall. The capital burned so fiercely that archaeologists still find a layer of red ash beneath the streets today.
At Colchester Castle Museum visitors can explore exhibits that detail the revolt, including artifacts, jewellery and charred debris. The castle took on its role as a museum 150 years ago in 1860 and was built upon the destroyed remains of the Roman Temple of Claudius.
Sitting on History
in 1923, archaeologists uncovered a preserved Roman mosaic just beneath the surface of Firstsite, a visual arts centre in Colchester. Dating from around AD200 the mosaic originally formed part of the dining room floor of a wealthy Roman townhouse.
The Story of Essex's Witch Trials
Power, Paranoia and Punishment
Essex has one of the most extensive witchcraft histories in England, shaped by the notorious witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries where the county became one of the most active centres for accusations and deadly punishments.
The first recorded English witchcraft execution took place in Chelmsford in 1566, marking Essex as an early focal point for witchcraft prosecutions.
The parishes of Manningtree & Mistley formed the geographical core of Witch hunting and were where “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins first became involved in local suspicions around 1644. Despite his reputation, Hopkin’s career was very short, lasting less than three years yet leading to between 200 and 400 deaths. Visitors can explore the county’s dark history more on Manningtree Witch Tours, visit the Red Lion Pub (1603 )where suspects were held, and see the Mistley Towers.
The Manningtree Witches
In 1645, Manningtree became the centre of a series of witch trials during the English Civil War, with 36 women facing accusations of witchcraft. Following interrogation, many were imprisoned in Colchester Castle.
Castles, Country Houses & Medieval Churches
Centuries of Craftmanship
The history of Essex is distinguished in the landscapes, buildings, and historic relics that can be found across the county. Visitors can wander through Braxted Park, as well as and Markshall Estate, an 1,000 year old country house that sits on 2,000 acres of ancient woodland, offering a glimpse into the lives of the families who once ruled these estates.
In Chipping Ongar you can visit the iconic Greensted Church, the oldest wooden church in the world, Representing 1,300 years of religious history, the church acts as a time capsule of Medieval England.
Other places of historic interest include the Cressing Temple Barns, which were gifted to the Knights Templar in 1137 and the nearby, Hedingham Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in England.
A Window Across the Atlantic
All Saints Church in Maldon is home to Britain’s only stained‑glass window dedicated to George Washington. Maldon is twinned with Virginia Beach, creating a link between Washington’s English heritage and the state he would later help shape.
Harwich Redoubt Fort
A powerful circular stronghold, built to guard the Essex coast from Napolonic invasion.
St Botolphs, Colchester
A serene glimpse into early Norman architecture, telling centuries of monastic history.
Travel Back in Time
Exploring Essex’s history feels a bit like time‑travel. From ancient Roman ruins to medieval landmarks, every corner has a story waiting to be uncovered.
Come And Explore Essex
Walk where your ancestors walked.
Taste what makes this place special.
Feel the connection that has tied our communities together for centuries.
Virginia, welcome to Essex, welcome home.